Who Celebrates Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its recapture by the Maccabees in 164 BC. It is celebrated for eight days and nights and is also known as the Festival of Light.

During Hanukkah, Jews all around the world celebrate the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the small amount of oil that was found after the recapturing of the Temple. This oil, which was expected to last only one day, burned for eight days, allowing enough time to purify new oil to be used in the menorah. To commemorate this miracle, many Jews light traditional menorahs, or nine-branched candelabras, each night of Hanukka.

Hanukkah is primarily celebrated by the Jews, who are believed to be descendants of the Maccabees who freed the Temple of Jerusalem, although other faiths may also celebrate the holiday. Some say that there are already a small but growing number of Gentiles who celebrate Hanukkah in various ways, either to recognize its place in Judaic history or simply as a winter holiday.

In addition to lighting the menorah, traditional foods such as latkes, or potato pancakes, eaten with applesauce or sour cream, as well as sufganiyot, which are jelly doughnuts, are eaten to celebrate Hanukkah. Additionally, playing dreidels and gambling with chocolate coins are popular activities during the holiday.

Ultimately, Hanukkah is a celebration of faith and practice, one that is honored by Jewish communities around the world.